Power line phase coupler system

ABSTRACT

A power line phase coupler system for repeating data signals between power line phases that can be easily installed by a user. The power line phase coupler system includes a housing, a female connector positioned within the housing, a male connector electrically connected to the female connector by a length of cord, and a repeater coupler electrically connected to the male connector. The repeater coupler is electrically connected between Phase A and Phase B of the male connector for repeating and amplifying a data signal received from either phase to the opposite phase.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to power line phase couplers andmore specifically it relates to a power line phase coupler system forrepeating data signals between power line phases that can be easilyinstalled by a user.

Power line communication (PLC) is utilized to connect various electronicdevices within a building structure via the electrical power system ofthe building. Networking of these electronic device may utilize twodifferent but complementary PLC technologies: one for high speed datacommunication (computer networking, printer sharing, Internetconnection, etc.) and one for control applications (designed for thelowest possible cost). Data communication applications have requirementsthat are completely different from control applications. Regardless ofthe PLC technology utilized, a home utilizing a multi-phase power linesystem creates several communication problems for the devices connectedto the separate power line phases.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Electronic devices are commonly utilized in residential and commercialbuildings to transmit data signals along the power lines of the building(i.e. power line communications). Most conventional electronic devicesare electrically coupled to a single phase of the power lines of thebuilding by simply inserting the male plug of the device into a femalereceptacle of a wall socket. The data signals are relatively low powersignals are transmitted by a transmitter device and received by areceiver device positioned upon the same power line phase to accomplishvarious tasks such as turning on an appliance or adjusting thetemperature within the building. The data signals are typicallytransmitted at relatively high frequencies typically greater than 1 KHzto reduce interference with the power line frequency of 60 Hz in NorthAmerica (or 50 Hz elsewhere). LEVITON is one company that manufactures avariety of electronic devices that communicate via a building's powerline system (http://www.leviton.com). There are various othermanufacturers of power line communication devices such as ACT,Interactive Technologies, Inc. (ITI), Home Automation, Inc. (HAI), andX-10 PRO.

The most commonly utilized power line system within residentialbuildings in North America is 60 Hz, 120/240-volt split-single phasepower. This power line system is basically comprised of two “phases” ofpower provided by three wires represented by (1) Phase A, (2) Phase B,and (3) Neutral. Phase A and Phase B of the power line system areapproximately 180 degrees out of phase with respect to one another. Eachof the phases carries approximately 110 to 120 volts of alternatingcurrent with respect to the neutral line. Since the phases are 180degrees out of phase with one another the total voltage between the twophases is 240 volts. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,192,231 and 5,187,865 provide anoverview of conventional power line systems.

Since most wall outlets within building structures are “single phase”outlets (i.e. electrically connected to only one phase and ground), thedata signal transmitted by the transmitter device is only transmittedalong the power line phase electrically coupled to and not the otherpower line phase. “Natural” coupling for the data signal sometimes occurby passing passively through a phase-to-phase load (e.g. electric 240volt water heater or stove) or through a transformer. However,consistent and reliable natural coupling is difficult to achieve andtypically is not feasible for a reliable system to be implemented.Natural coupling is especially difficult to achieve in larger buildingsthat have numerous electronic devices connected to power outlets withinthe building.

To provide adequate communications for the data signal between the twophases of the building, it is often times desirable to “couple” thephases together at the breaker panel. The two most commonly utilizedsystems of coupling the two phases within a building structure arecomprised of (1) passive couplers and (2) repeater couplers.

“Passive” couplers are typically comprised of a capacitor electricallycoupled between the two phases at the breaker panel. Passive couplers donot enhance the data signal during bridging between the phases and manytimes a passive coupler will actually reduce the signal strength of thedata signal. Utilizing a passive coupler can be difficult since thecapacitor may allow the lower power frequencies and other data signalsto undesirably pass between the phases. In addition, coupling the phasestogether at the breaker panel with a passive coupler can be difficultand dangerous even for skilled professionals. Also, the signal strengthof the data signal is weakened after passing through a passive couplerand sometimes cannot be detected by a receiver device. In largerbuilding structures a passive coupler simply is not acceptable tomaintain the desirable signal strength of the receiver devices. U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,192,231 and 5,187,865 illustrate utilizing a passive couplersystem that engages a wall outlet utilizing a capacitor for coupling thetwo phases but has the same problems as breaker panel passive couplers.

The most reliable type of power line coupler utilized today are“repeater couplers” which are electrically connected between the twophases at the breaker panel. Repeater couplers detect a data signal uponone of the phases. The repeater then amplifies and repeats the detecteddata signal to the second phase of the power line system. The repeateddata signal is “tagged” with an identifier to prevent repeating of thealready repeated data signal if received by the repeater coupler again.The LEVITON 6201 system coupler repeater is an exemplary example of arepeater coupler and is incorporated by reference into this applicationfor the purpose of disclosing a suitable repeater coupler. The LEVITON6201 takes data signals generated on the 120-volt line phase from whichthe LEVITON 6201 draws power, then boosts the data signals at the zerocrossing on the other line phase of a 120/240-volt or any phase of athree-phase 120/208-volt residential wiring network. The LEVITON 6201 istypically installed at the main breaker panel, on its own dedicated 15amp breaker (per National Electrical Code).

While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to whichthey address, they are not as suitable for repeating data signalsbetween power line phases that can be easily installed by a user. Themain problem with passive couplers is that they are not suitable forusage within larger building structures or where numerous electricaldevices are connected within. The main problem with conventionalrepeater couplers is that they are designed to be utilized only within amain breaker panel and are not easy to utilize for most consumers.

In these respects, the power line phase coupler system according to thepresent invention substantially departs from the conventional conceptsand designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatusprimarily developed for the purpose of repeating data signals betweenpower line phases that can be easily installed by a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofpower line couplers now present in the prior art, the present inventionprovides a new power line phase coupler system construction wherein thesame can be utilized for repeating data signals between power linephases that can be easily installed by a user.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be describedsubsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new power line phasecoupler system that has many of the advantages of the power linecouplers mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in anew power line phase coupler system which is not anticipated, renderedobvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art power linecouplers, either alone or in any combination thereof.

To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a housing, afemale connector positioned within the housing, a male connectorelectrically connected to the female connector by a length of cord, anda repeater coupler electrically connected to the male connector. Therepeater coupler is electrically connected between Phase A and Phase Bof the male connector for repeating and amplifying a data signalreceived from either phase to the opposite phase.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter and that will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not beregarded as limiting.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a power linephase coupler system that will overcome the shortcomings of the priorart devices.

A second object is to provide a power line phase coupler system forrepeating data signals between power line phases that can be easilyinstalled by a user.

Another object is to provide a power line phase coupler system that isnot connected to the main breaker panel of a building.

A further object is to provide a power line phase coupler system thatcan be connected so as to not physically interfere with surroundingelectrical appliances.

Another object is to provide a power line phase coupler system that doesnot require installation by an electrician or other skilledprofessional.

An additional object is to provide a power line phase coupler systemthat can be utilized within larger building structures with longer powerline systems.

A further object is to provide a power line phase coupler system thatcan be utilized within buildings with numerous electrical devicesconnected to the power line system of the building.

Another object is to provide a power line phase coupler system thatamplifies and repeats the data signal received by a transmitter devicefrom a first power line phase to a second power line phase at anincreased level.

A further object is to provide a power line phase coupler system thatincreases the overall communication efficiency of power linecommunication devices.

An additional object is to provide a power line phase coupler systemthat provides a simple, easy and convenient system to link the entirewiring of a building together for the purposes of providing a networkfor communication and control of devices electrically connected to thepower line system of the building.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeobvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects andadvantages are within the scope of the present invention.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this inventionmay be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings,attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings areillustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specificconstruction illustrated and described within the scope of the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present inventionelectrically connected to a wall outlet.

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the present invention with thecover partially removed.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cutaway view taken along line 5—5 of FIG. 4 of the drawings.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the repeater coupler electricallyconnected between the two phases of a power line.

FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the second embodiment of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1through 11 illustrate a power line phase coupler system 10, whichcomprises a housing 40, a female connector 60 positioned within thehousing 40, a male connector 20 electrically connected to the femaleconnector 60 by a length of cord 30, and a repeater coupler 50electrically connected to the male connector 20. The repeater coupler 50is electrically connected between Phase A and Phase B of the maleconnector 20 for repeating and amplifying a data signal received fromeither phase to the opposite phase.

A conventional power line system of a building typically has a Phase Apower line, Phase B power line and a neutral line wherein Phase A is 180degrees out of phase with respect to Phase B. Some power line systemshave a four line called the ground line. A conventional wall outlet 12providing dual-phase power typically has three slots for Phase A, PhaseB, and neutral. If ground is utilized, the conventional wall outlet 12will have a fourth slot within. The conventional wall outlet 12 is thencapable of providing 240-volt power to an appliance such as a dryer.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings, the present inventionincludes a male connector 20 that electrically mates with the walloutlet 12. The male connector 20 includes a first prong 22, a secondprong 24 and a third prong 26 connectable to Phase A, Phase B and theneutral slots of the wall outlet 12 respectively. If the wall outlet 12has a ground slot, the male connector 20 can include a fourth prongthough not shown in the drawings. The male connector 20 may be comprisedof various shapes, structures and configurations depending upon the walloutlet 12.

The male connector 20 preferably has a flat profile for not interferingwith the surrounding electrical appliances as best shown in FIGS. 1through 3 of the drawings. A length of power cord 30 is electricallyconnected to the male connector 20 has includes three or four wiresdepending upon the number of prongs utilized within the male connector20. The cord 30 preferably extends downwardly from the male connector 20to maintain a flat profile when utilized with the wall outlet 12. Thecord 30 is preferably of sufficient length to allow positioning of thehousing 40 in a convenient location for insertion of a power connectorfrom an electrical appliance.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 of the drawings, the housing 40 has aninterior cavity 42 for storing the repeater coupler 50 and various otherelectrical equipment. The housing 40 preferably has a removable cover 44that is attachable by a plurality of fasteners 46 as best shown in FIGS.2 and 3 of the drawings. Various other connection means may be utilizedto secure the cover 44 to the housing 40. The housing 40 is preferablyconstructed of a flat structure and may have various shapes andstructures.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 of the drawings, a repeater coupler 50 ispositioned within the interior cavity 42 of the housing 40. The repeatercoupler 50 is electrically connected to the power cord 30 opposite ofthe male connector 20 for allowing coupling of Phase A and Phase B ofthe power line system of the building structure. The repeater coupler 50receives power from either of the phases and the neutral line. Morespecifically, the repeater coupler 50 is electrically connected betweenthe wires of the cord 30 corresponding to Phase A and Phase B of thepower line system as best shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings.

The repeater coupler 50 is comprised of an amplifier structure thatdetects a data signal sent along either of the phases within the powerline system and then repeats the data signal to the other power linephase at an amplified level. The repeater coupler 50 does not allow the60 Hz power signal to pass between the phases, but rather only repeatsand amplifies higher frequencies of data signals over 1 KHz.

In addition, the following product is considered relevant to therepeater coupler 50 structure and functionality of the present inventionand is incorporated herein by reference: LEVITON 6201 system couplerrepeater. The aforementioned product, which is mentioned elsewhere inthis disclosure, and which form a part of this disclosure, may beapplied in any known manner by those skilled in the art in order topractice various embodiments of the present invention. The followingpatents are considered relevant to the repeater coupler 50 structure andfunctionality of the present invention and are incorporated herein byreference: U.S. Pat. No. 4,032,911 entitled “Signal Repeater For PowerDistribution Line Communication Systems”; U.S. Pat. No. 3,973,087entitled “Signal Repeater For Power Line Access Data System” and U.S.Pat. No. 3,911,415 entitled “Distribution Network Power Line CarrierCommunication System.” The aforementioned patents may be applied in anyknown manner by those skilled in the art in order to practice variousembodiments of the present invention.

A female connector 60 is preferably positioned within the housing 40 asbest shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings. It can be appreciatedthat the female coupler 60 does not have to be utilized within thepresent invention where the female coupler 60 is not required. Thefemale connector 60 is electrically connected to the three wires withinthe power cord 30 in parallel to the repeater coupler 50. The femaleconnector 60 is formed for electrically receiving a power connector froman electrical appliance such as a dryer to allow the electrical power tobe transferred from the power line system of the building to theelectrical appliance. The female connector 60 includes a first slot 62,a second slot 64 and a third slot 66 connectable to Phase A, Phase B andthe neutral slots of the power cord 30 opposite of the male connector 20as best shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. The female connector 60includes a fourth slot if a ground wire is included within the powercord 30.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, a first alternativeembodiment of the present invention is provided that eliminates theusage of the power cord 30. The housing 40 for the first alternativeembodiment is generally comprised of a tubular structure having opposingends thereof. The male connector 20 and the female connector 60 atattached to the opposing ends of the tubular housing 40 as best shown inFIG. 9 of the drawings. The electrical connections of the male connector20, the female connector 60 and the repeater coupler 50 are not changedfor the first alternative embodiment as can be appreciated providing thesame effect as the main embodiment in a more compact structure.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 of the drawings, a second alternativeembodiment of the present invention is provided that eliminates theusage of the power cord 30 similar to the first alternative embodiment.The housing 40 for the second alternative embodiment is generallycomprised of a flat structure having a front surface and a rear surface.The male connector 20 and the female connector 60 at attached to theopposing surfaces of the housing 40 as best shown in FIG. 11 of thedrawings. The electrical connections of the male connector 20, thefemale connector 60 and the repeater coupler 50 are not changed for thesecond alternative embodiment as can be appreciated providing the sameeffect as the main embodiment in a more compact structure.

In use, the user electrically connects the male connector 20 to aconventional wall outlet 12 of a building structure wherein the walloutlet 12 is electrically coupled to both Phase A and Phase B of thepower line system. If a transmitter device electrically connected to thepower line system via another wall outlet 12 transmits a data signalalong one of the power line phases, the data signal is then detected bythe repeater coupler 50. The repeater coupler 50 then repeats, amplifiesand tags this data signal to the other power line phase to be receivedby the desired receiver device electrically connected to that power linephase. An example of this operation is shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings.If data signal A enters Phase B of the power line system by atransmitter device, the repeater coupler 50 detects/receives data signalA and then converts data signal A to data signal B that is transmittedto Phase A which is properly received by the receiver device. Signal Bis simply an amplified signal A with a “tag” positioned within toprevent repeating a second time.

As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of thepresent invention, the same should be apparent from the abovedescription. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the mannerof usage and operation will be provided.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized thatthe optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed to be within the expertise ofthose skilled in the art, and all equivalent structural variations andrelationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in thespecification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

1. A power line coupler comprising: a housing; a male connector coupledto the housing for engaging a multi-phase wall outlet having at least aPhase A, a Phase B and a neutral; a female connector coupled to thehousing and electrically connected to the male connector such thatmulti-phase electrical power passes from the multi-phase wall outlet tosaid female connector; and a repeater disposed within said housing fortransmitting high frequency communication signals between the Phase Aand the Phase B when the repeater receives a transmitted high frequencycommunication from one of the Phase A or Phase B, said repeatertransmitting a repeated high frequency communication to the other phaseat an amplified level.
 2. The power line coupler of claim 1, wherein therepeater repeats and amplifies signals over 1 KHz.
 3. A power linecoupler comprising: a first connector means for engaging a multi-phasewall outlet having at least a Phase A, a Phase B, and a neutral; asecond connector means electrically connected to the first connectormeans such that multi-phase electrical power passes from the multi-phasewall outlet to said second connector; a repeater means for transmittinghigh frequency communication signals between the Phase A and the Phase Bwhen the repeater receives a transmitted high frequency communicationfrom one of the Phase A or Phase B, said repeater transmitting arepeated high frequency communication to the other phase at an amplifiedlevel.
 4. The power line coupler of claim 3, further comprising: ahousing coupled to the first connector means, the second connectormeans, and the repeater means.
 5. The power line coupler of claim 3,wherein the repeater means repeats and amplifies signals over 1 KHz. 6.The power line coupler of claim 3, wherein the repeater means places anidentifier tag within the repeated high frequency communication.
 7. Thepower line coupler of claim 6, wherein the repeater means does notrepeat high frequency communications with the identifier tag.
 8. Thepower line coupler of claim 7, wherein the repeater means includes ahousing having an interior cavity.
 9. The power line coupler of claim 8,wherein the first connector means is a male connector means.
 10. Thepower line coupler of claim 9, wherein the first connector meansincludes at least a first prong, a second prong and a third prongelectrically connectable to the Phase A, the Phase B and the neutral ofthe multi-phase wall outlet.
 11. The power line coupler of claim 10,wherein the second connector means is a female connector means.
 12. Thepower line coupler of claim 11, wherein the second connector meansincludes at least a first slot, a second slot and a third slotelectrically connected to said first prong, said second prong and saidthird prong by said power cord.